DepEd hikes tuition subsidy for Grade Seven students by 24%

For School Year 2013-2014, the Department of Education is hiking by 24 percent the number of slots for Grade Seven students entitled to tuition subsidy in private schools.

In a news release, DepEd said 310,709 students may avail of such tuition subsidy under the education service contracting scheme (ESC), up from 250,896 last year.

“The decision to accommodate more students under the ESC is part of our continuing thrust to democratize access to quality education across the country,” said DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro.

Students in private schools in Metro Manila are entitled to a P1,000 subsidy while those outside Metro Manila may get P6,500 subsidy.

ESC is a scheme under the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) that is jointly implemented by DepEd and the Fund for Assistance to Private Education (FAPE).

Under the ESC, the government subsidizes the tuition of students who enrol in private schools because public secondary schools cannot accommodate them anymore.

The DepEd and FAPE determined the distribution of Grade Seven slots under the ESC based on public school shortage in the regions, schools division and municipalities.

They also considered the participating schools’ compliance to performance-based standards.

Under DepEd Memo No. 65 in 2013, the total number of Grade Seven slots comprises the actual number of grantees in the previous school year, plus additional slots in areas where there is serious overcrowding.

Another basis for the additional slots is the certification and accreditation ratings given to compliant schools as of March 18, 2013. - VVP, GMA News